She sat amidst the ruins of what used to be a buzzing town, still trying to comprehend the disaster of recent days, the cataclysm that had wiped out a people and miracously spared her. She knew she had to do as her beloved had ordered, but where was that strong guide he had promised? Tears threatened to fall and she lowered her head in despair. "Stop yer sniveling, wench!" In shock at being thus spoken to, she looked up... to see a tiny bird perched next to her. "I say, you humans are all alike... wet and messy and loud! *We* wouldn't dream of behavior like this, rest assured! Now, blow yer nose, yer starting to look all puffy and ugly! Let's go, time's a-wasting. Shake a tail, shake a tail!" She made no move, just stared at the handful of feathered attitude. "Who- who are you?" "Yak, yak, yak," the bird shot back. "Always flapping yer mouth. Humans! Well, do you want to meet yer kind or not? I happen to know where there is a gorgeous prince just waiting for ye, but ye have to hustle yer big butt now!" "A prince?" Surely this was another one of her many dreams. "That's what I said, innit? Hey, would *this* beak lie to you? Just because I pooped on yer gown earlier is no reason not to trust me, ye know!" To be continued... ------------- CarolineG's Ivory with Eowyn's Janelle texture, Daio's Raven. Column by marforno. For full credits, please see part one...